What is the Aircontact Lite?The Aircontact Lite is a tough, feature-packed multi-day rucksack designed to carry heavy loads in supreme comfort for long periods of time. It features Deuter's brilliant Aircontact backsystem, a spring-steel internal frame and a massive array of useful pockets to effectively organise your kit.
What is it made of?A pack of this criteria needs to be pretty tough, and luckily the Aircontact will happily oblige. The main bulk of the pack is made from a lightweight yet tough 100D polyester, while the base uses an almost bombproof double-layered 600D polyester to deal with regular abrasion. Both of these fabrics are coated in a DWR (durable water repellent) to repel light rain and snow.
Which backsystem does it use?The key to carrying this high weight in comfort is down to Deuter's intelligent Aircontact back system. The open-cell foam provides exceptional ventilation by leaving a gap in the centre of the back for sweat to escape and for air to pass through. The whole system can be adjusted quickly and easily to fit a wide range of shapes and sizes. This backsystem is held securely in place via an internal spring-steel frame which effectively transfers weight from the pack to the hipbelt and shoulder straps for a comfortable carry.
After the backsystem, the hipbelt provides the greatest amount of support when carrying heavy loads. Around 70% of the weight will be sent to the hipbelt, leaving just 30% on the shoulders. Deuter use a unique design which allows the hipbelt to pivot — this sounds odd, however, your hips naturally dip and rise as you walk, so it just works! The shoulder straps do exactly the same thing; they pivot side to side, moving with you as you twist and turn over technical terrain.
What are its features?No large pack would be complete without a series of clever pockets to organise and separate out your kit. Entry into the pack is accessible via two methods: either through the top lid in the traditional fashion or via a massive two-way front zip, giving you full access to your kit without having to empty half the pack out. The lid can extend upwards to reveal 5 litres extra storage if you're heading out for a little longer. Pockets wise, there's a spacious lid pocket for things you need to access quickly, a separate bottom compartment for wet clothes, a sleeping bag or small tent, an internal valuables pocket for a phone, keys, etc, an internal sleeve for a water bladder, roomy side pockets for extra layers, two zipped hipbelt pockets and a side pocket for maps.
Other features include compression straps to cinch everything down and pull the weight closer to your back, a removable raincover, ice axe and walking pole attachment points, an SOS label to write down some crucial details in case the worst should happen and daisy chain loops to attach additional gear.
- Adjustable backsystem
- Spring-steel frame
- 3D pivoting hipbelt
- Pivoting shoulder straps
- Adjustable chest strap
- Large front zip opening
- Axe/pole attachment points
- Extendable lid
- Spacious lid pocket
- Separate bottom compartment
- SOS label
- Hydration compatible
- Removable raincover
- Internal valuables pocket
- Stretchy inner compartment
- Daisy chain loops
- Roomy side pockets
- Zipped hipbelt pockets
- Side map pocket
- Compression straps
- Tough polyester fabrics
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.